The ampelographic and physicochemical characteristics of Muskatell and Marsusa Sewda grapevine varieties

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The ampelographic and physicochemical characteristics of Muskatell and Marsusa Sewda grapevine varieties Abstract: This study investigated the ampelographic and physicochemical characteristics of three Vitis vinifera L. varieties cultivated at the National Viticulture and Oenology Centre in Buskett, Malta: Muskatell, Marsusa Sewda 1, and Marsusa Sewda 2. A total number of twenty-four grapevine samples were analysed over two consecutive growing seasons (2024–2025). Morphological characterisation followed International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) descriptors, with weekly observations recorded from pruning to harvest. Cumulative Growing Degree Days (GDD) were calculated to assess phenological development, with Muskatell, Marsusa Sewda 1, and Marsusa Sewda 2 reaching maturity at approximately 1,799, 1,910, and 1,929 °C.day, respectively. Muskatell produced compact clusters (OIV 204: 9) and globose green-yellow berries (OIV 223: 2) reaching 22.3 °Brix at harvest. Marsusa Sewda 1 bore dense blue-black clusters (OIV 204: 9) with broad-ellipsoid berries achieving 21.2 °Brix, while Marsusa Sewda 2 exhibited looser clusters (OIV 204: 3) and heavier seeds (OIV 242: 7), indicating improved aeration and fertility. Spectrophotometric and MP-AES analyses revealed total polyphenol contents ranging between 60–120 µg GAE/ml and dominant mineral elements of potassium, calcium, and magnesium across varieties, with minor iron and sodium concentrations. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, p < 0.05; PCA) confirmed significant varietal differentiation in cluster compactness, berry morphology, sugar, and polyphenolic accumulation. The integration of OIV descriptors, GDD progression, and biochemical data provides a robust framework for identifying, conserving, and valorising indigenous Maltese grapevine germplasm within Mediterranean viticulture. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

Investigating socially responsible fresh produce consumption : a Maltese case study

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Investigating socially responsible fresh produce consumption : a Maltese case study Abstract: Social responsibility is the moral duty of individuals and organisations to act in ways that benefit society rather than solely seeking profit. This ideology is reflected in the ESG framework through the ‘Social’ component, which evaluates how companies interact with employees, communities, and society, including labour rights, workplace safety and fair wages. This study investigates how social responsibility influences consumer behaviour in Malta’s fresh produce market, with the aim of identifying the gap between ethical intentions and actual purchasing decisions. There are few studies on the social responsibility of fresh produce consumption, especially in regions that rely on imports and face geographic constraints. To address this lacuna, a mixed-methods approach was used, linking quantitative data from an extensive consumer survey with qualitative perceptions from semi-structured interviews with expert stakeholders. The research uncovers a significant gap caused by consumers’ limited understanding of social responsibility, often mistaken for the heuristic of ‘buying local’. The findings suggest that the intention-behaviour gap does not stem from weak ethical beliefs but from structural limitations, such as price sensitivity, convenience-driven habits, and limited information. Despite consumers expressing strong social values, the current food systems restrict their ability to recognise, access, and afford socially responsible choices. Bridging this gap will require institutional reforms that shift responsibility from individual consumers to a market system where ethical options are the most affordable, accessible, and transparent. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

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The ampelographic and physicochemical characteristics of Muskatell and Marsusa Sewda grapevine varieties

Investigating socially responsible fresh produce consumption : a Maltese case study